The Final Phase Of The High Line Is Open & It's Breathtaking

It's almost impossible to imagine that the High Line didn't exist a little over five years ago. Back then, it was just an abandoned elevated rail line that no one had paid much attention to since the '30s; an eyesore that all but a few local activists wanted demolished. Now, it has firmly cemented itself in the big leagues of New York City public spaces, a fact confirmed by the nearly five million people who visit each year. As far as urban reclamation projects go, it's basically the holy grail.

The final phase of the elevated park — which runs from 30th Street to 34th Street, and at its northernmost part meets the Hudson River — opens to the public today. After checking out a preview earlier this week, we can tell you firsthand it was worth the wait. The landscape is more natural than what you find in the previous two sections; the views of the city itself, more sweeping and dramatic. This is where you should go hang out if you want to see hints of the High Line's past and marvel at its present. It's also where you should go if you want to see the best Manhattan sunset of your entire life.

Ahead, photographer David Goodman takes you on a guided tour of the new space and points out the spots where you'll definitely want to snap some gorgeous pics of your own.